Sven's Watched in 2013
Films watched in 2013
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- DirectorSarah PolleyStarsMichelle WilliamsSeth RogenSarah SilvermanA happily married woman falls for the artist who lives across the street.Jan 1
I really like Sarah Polly so I wanted to like this movie more, but it didn't work for me. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good. More or less just blah with a disappointing ending. Thankfully Michelle Williams put in her usual good performance to keep it from being altogether bad. 5/10 - DirectorLuis PrietoStarsRichard CoyleBronson WebbAgyness DeynIn London, a street dealer's life spins out of control over the course of one week after he borrows money from his supplier on what's supposed to be a sure thing.Jan 1
Great pumping soundtrack kept the intensity going throughout the film. Storyline was far from original, but still interesting. The ending lacked a bit. 7/10 - DirectorJason MooreStarsAnna KendrickBrittany SnowRebel WilsonBeca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.Jan 1
I guess I'll count this as a guilty pleasure. It was lots of fun and filled with mostly good music. I imagine that this is what an episode of glee must be like, but no I am still not willing to watch that. 7/10 - DirectorScott DerricksonStarsEthan HawkeJuliet RylanceJames RansoneA controversial true-crime writer finds a box of Super 8 home movies in his new home, revealing that the murder case he is currently researching could be the work of an unknown serial killer whose legacy dates back to the 1960s.Jan 1
For this style of horror I'd say this was superior to most. Very creepy super 8 footage. The 'twist' was a bit too obvious for me, but that didn't really detract from the enjoyment for me. 8/10 - DirectorKenneth CranStarsJohn Charles MeyerJessica PostroznyChristine HaebermanWhen the Haskin family seeks refuge from Y2K hysteria in the isolated forests of the Sierra Diablos mountains, madness and terror find them there. Abducted by a vicious hillbilly clan, the Haskins fight for survival, but neither they nor the hillbilly Crawfords can comprehend the monstrous nightmare about to erupt from the bowels of the earth.Jan 2
With a proper budget this might have been good. Really it would have worked better as just another hillbilly movie, especially since the whole Millennium Bug thing is over a decade too late. 4/10 - DirectorOle BornedalStarsNatasha CalisJeffrey Dean MorganKyra SedgwickA young girl buys an antique box at a yard sale, unaware that inside the collectible lives a malicious ancient spirit. The girl's father teams with his ex-wife to find a way to end the curse upon their child.Jan 2
Unlike Sinister, this one resorted to mostly cheap scares. Lots of loud noises that make you jump. Really the scariest part of it was Kyra Sedgewicks face. 5/10 - DirectorChristopher SmithStarsEddie RedmayneSean BeanCarice van HoutenSet during the time of the first outbreak of bubonic plague in England, a young monk is given the task of learning the truth about reports of people being brought back to life in a small village.jan 3
I really couldn't get into this movie. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't for me. 4/10 - DirectorZackary AdlerStarsJay BaruchelAlexis BledelVictor RasukReed Fish's life turns into chaos when a high school crush returns to Mud Meadows on the eve of his marriage to the small town's sweetheart.jan 3
I like all the main actors in the film, but can't say I was really a fan of the film itself. The film within a film idea didn't really work so well. Didn't make sense for a few reasons, not the least of which is trying to convince the viewers that he would leave Alexis Bledel for either of the other girls. 4/10 - DirectorLeos CaraxStarsDenis LavantEdith ScobEva MendesA man boards a limousine to be driven to his day's work: nine mysterious "appointments."Jan 3
Weird doesn't even begin to describe it. There was something intriguing about it that kept me wanting more. The beginning and end were over the top crazy. The whole middle part was pretty interesting. 7/10 - DirectorRob CohenStarsTyler PerryMatthew FoxRachel NicholsA homicide detective is pushed to the brink of his moral and physical limits as he tangles with a ferociously skilled hired killer who specializes in torture and pain.Jan 3
I didn't realize before watching this that it was the same character as in Along Came A Spider and Kiss The Girls. Tyler Perry is a poor excuse for a Morgan Freeman replacement. The story was good but nothing out of the ordinary. The main problem with the movie was Tyler Perry, but the directing wasn't strong either. 5/10 - DirectorJacob EstesStarsTobey MaguireElizabeth BanksLaura LinneyWhen a family of raccoons discover worms living underneath the sod in Jeff and Nealy's backyard, this pest problem begins a darkly comic and wild chain reaction of domestic tension, infidelity and murder.Jan 4
A movie with several stars in it that I'd never heard of before. It wasn't so bad, but it dragged on towards the end. 5/10 - DirectorDavid OstryStarsPatrick McKennaDarren FrostShawn KorsonMilo 55160, Heaven's loneliest and busiest bureaucrat spends his days processing disoriented, confused and angry Newly-Deads. One day he meets a boy named Will, a Near-Dead, someone struggling to stay alive on earth. When Will mysteriously disappears, Milo embarks on a journey through the afterlife that changes him, literally, forever.Jan 4
Good short film about 'heaven'. Main character was played by Harold from the Red Green show. Nice that it didn't add any religious spin to it. 6/10 - DirectorLance DalyStarsOrlando BloomRiley KeoughTaraji P. HensonA young doctor goes to unconscionable extremes in order to remain in the service of a female patient with a kidney disorder.Jan 4
Orlando Bloom was the lead in this, looking much different than I've seen him before. The story was interesting, the acting was good. I don't think this got a theatrical release I'm not sure why. 7/10 - DirectorEmmanuel ShirinianStarsMichael D. CohenDanny WellsRebecca AddelmanThe soul of an Orthodox Rabbi is invaded by a catchy pop tune, which threatens to send him to the dance floor on the Sabbath or back to the Torah.Jan 4
Orthodox Jew dancing in a club is kinda fun to watch. Other than that a pretty blah short. 5/10 - DirectorJ.A. BayonaStarsNaomi WattsEwan McGregorTom HollandThe story of a tourist family in Thailand caught in the destruction and chaotic aftermath of the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami.Jan 5
Very well done. Great acting, directing, effects etc. I'm not sure how close to the true story this is, but it was very emotional the way it was told here. My only criticism is that it would have been nice to go back and show both sides of the family right from the point of the tsunami. 8/10 - DirectorSacha GervasiStarsAnthony HopkinsHelen MirrenScarlett JohanssonThe relationship between Alfred Hitchcock and his wife Alma Reville during the filming of Psycho (1960) in 1959 is explored.Jan 6
Not sure why this wasn't given a wide release. It would certainly be entertaining for anyone who is a fan of Psycho and likely for anyone who isn't. I think Hopkins' performance is worthy of an Oscar nod. I would however have preferred to see more of the film focused on the set of Psycho. 7/10 - DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsJamie FoxxChristoph WaltzLeonardo DiCaprioWith the help of a German bounty-hunter, a freed slave sets out to rescue his wife from a brutal plantation owner in Mississippi.Jan 6
Great Tarantino fun! Stylisticly brilliant. All of the performances were top notch, exept for Tarantino, but at least his part was short. Tarantino knows how to cast a film. I wasnt sold on the idea of Jamie Fox, although he really surprised me. Christoph Waltz should be in every movie. Samuel L Jackson was hilarious and surprising. 9/10 - DirectorKen ScottStarsPatrick HuardJulie LeBretonAntoine BertrandAs his lover announces her pregnancy, a fortysomething slacker receives other life-changing news: 142 people, all of them the result of artificial insemination, have filed a class action lawsuit against him, their biological father.Jan 6
Funny, unique story. I expected it to be more of a comedy than it was. There was more drama to the story than comedy, but that didnt hurt it at all. 8/10 - DirectorAmy BergStarsJason BaldwinDamien Wayne EcholsJessie MisskelleyAn examination of a failure of justice in the case against the West Memphis Three.Jan 7
The West Memphis 3 is a very interesting subject for a documentary. This is clearly evidenced by the fact that there are no less than 4 documentaries on the subject so far. Last year's West Memphis 3 doc, Paradise Lost 3, really should have won the Oscar. I enjoyed West of Memphis even more. Having seen Paradise Lost 3 first definitely helped this one along. If another doc on this subject comes out, I'll gladly watch it. 8/10 - DirectorLuke MathenyStarsLuke MathenyMarian BrockChristopher HirshA lovestruck, lounge-singing darts champion finds his prayers answered--literally--when he mysteriously receives a box of love-inducing darts.Jan 7
Not a bad idea for a short, or possibly even a feature length film. Unfortunately the lead was too annoying to make this as enjoyable as it should have been. 5/10 - DirectorMartin McDonaghStarsColin FarrellWoody HarrelsonSam RockwellA struggling screenwriter inadvertently becomes entangled in the Los Angeles criminal underworld after his oddball friends kidnap a gangster's beloved Shih Tzu.Jan 8
I had high hopes for this based on it winning the midnight madness people's choice award at TIFF. Unfortunately it didn't live up to my expectations. First off it dragged on in parts. Secondly it didn't seem to make very good use of its stars. Most of the characters just felt like a repeat or even a parody of the stars previous characters. 5/10 - DirectorBen LewinStarsJohn HawkesHelen HuntWilliam H. MacyA man in an iron lung who wishes to lose his virginity contacts a professional sex surrogate with the help of his therapist and priest.Jan 10
This is the first of many Oscar nominees i havent seen that ill be trying to watch over the next month and a half. Contrary to what the academy voters decided, John Hawkes deserved a nom and Helen Hunt didn't. Really good original story. 8/10 - DirectorDavid SilvermanMaggie Simpson spends the day in the Ayn Rand School for Tots.Jan 10
It seems strange to have a short film nominated that is based on a long running tv show. Kinda seems unfair. That being said, even though i like the Simpsons, I doubt this is the best short film of the year. 7/10 - DirectorLee HirschStarsAlex LibbyLona JohnsonKelby JohnsonA documentary on peer-to-peer bullying in schools across America.Jan 10
Everyone expected Bully to get a nomination. After watching it I'm not surprised it didn't. It didn't really go anywhere, it didn't suggest any solutions or even really talk about the problem. 5/10 - DirectorJeremy Power RegimbalStarsSelma BlairJoshua CloseJames D'ArcyThe Hughes' cottage vacation is violently interrupted by a family on a murderous and identity-stealing journey, in search of the "perfect" life.Jan 11
Nothing original here, but still enjoyable. It was clear from the start where it was going. Reminded me a bit of Funny Games. 6/10 - DirectorTarsem SinghStarsLily CollinsJulia RobertsArmie HammerAn evil queen steals control of a kingdom and an exiled princess enlists the help of seven resourceful rebels to win back her birthright.Jan 11
Of all the Oscar nominated movies, this is the one I was least interested in seeing. It was truly terrible. Even worse than I had expected. Everyone in the movie did a terrible job. It was over the top stupid. It's nominated for best costume and I guess that makes sense because it seems like the costume designer is the only one who did anything good with the movie. I'd bet that Oscar voters looked at photos of the costumes because I can't imagine them wasting their time watching this movie. If you are looking for a Snow White fix the watch the far superior Snow White And The Huntsman. The only points for this movie are based on 2/10 - DirectorMalik BendjelloulStarsRodriguezStephen 'Sugar' SegermanDennis CoffeyTwo South Africans set out to discover what happened to their unlikely musical hero, the mysterious 1970s rock n roller, Rodriguez.Jan 11
I could not get into this doc at all. Never heard of the Sugar Man, didn't care about the sugar man, still not sure why a full movie was dedicated to finding the Sugar Man. One thing I will say is that the movie started off with some nice filmmaking. It lost that momentum quickly and then just looked like a normal doc. 4/10 - DirectorBrian DannellyStarsChris ColferRebel WilsonChristina HendricksA high schooler recounts the way he blackmailed his fellow classmates into contributing to his literary magazine.Jan 12
This wasnt bad, but it mostly just felt like it was trying too hard. It wanted to be clever, charming and timeless like 10 Things I Hate About You, but didnt really come close. 5/10 - DirectorConstance MarksPhilip ShaneStarsKevin ClashWhoopi GoldbergFrank OzThe Muppet Elmo is one of the most beloved characters among children across the globe. Meet the unlikely man behind the puppet - the heart and soul of Elmo - Kevin Clash.Jan 12
I put this on thinking it would be intersting to watch considering the contreversy surrounding Kevin Clash of late. It made me not really care about what he is being accused of. He seemed like a really good person and his story made for a surprisingly interesting documentary. 8/10 - DirectorJames KeachStarsRachel BilsonTom SturridgeRichard JenkinsA Hollywood-set romantic tale of a guy who is content to live his life without a job yet with the love of his life, a young actress.Jan 12
I can't remember how this made it onto my watchlist. It only suffers from being terribly average. Really nothing special to speak of and no real complaints. 5/10 - DirectorElgin JamesStarsJuno TempleKay PanabakerLeslie MannLily and Alison face a life-changing event after they leave their Salton Sea home and follow the boys they meet back to Los Angeles.Jan 13
Juno Temple seems to be good in everything, so I'm glad she is being cast in so many movies lately. This felt like she had done this role before once or twice. Just when I was getting tired of this movie, it redeemed itself and kept it interesting til the end with a new plotline. Juno gets a 7/10, but the movie gets a 5. 5/10 - DirectorAlexander WittStarsMilla JovovichSienna GuilloryEric MabiusAlice wakes up in the Raccoon City hospital after the area has been overrun by zombies, and must now make it out of the city before a nuclear bomb is dropped.Jan 13
I decided to get caught up with this series. I had only seen the first one before now and can only somewhat remember that one. This sequel managed to move the story along nicely and kept me interested throughout. Good special effects and good acting for the genre. It was fun seeing Toronto blown up. I look forward to seeing the next one in the series. 7/10 - DirectorStephen ElliottStarsAshley HinshawJames FrancoHeather GrahamA troubled young woman moves to San Francisco where she becomes involved in pornography and aligns herself with a cocaine-addicted lawyer.Jan 13
Maybe a bit better than I expected it to be, but that's not saying much. The story really went nowhere. It needed a better climax/conflict, because it really felt like there was none. 4/10 - DirectorAng LeeStarsSuraj SharmaIrrfan KhanAdil HussainA young man who survives a disaster at sea is hurtled into an epic journey of adventure and discovery. While cast away, he forms an unexpected connection with another survivor: a fearsome Bengal tiger.Jan 14
Kinda like Castaway, but the island is replaced by a boat and Wilson is replaced by a tiger. It was a really good movie. All of the religious/spiritual aspects could have been removed to give it a better pace and shorter runtime. 7/10 - DirectorBrian KlugmanLee SternthalStarsBradley CooperDennis QuaidOlivia WildeA writer at the peak of his literary success discovers the steep price he must pay for stealing another man's work.Jan 15
This was much better than the reviews led me to believe. At the beginning of the movie it felt like a bit much with the parallel story lines. Thankfully, before long I was able to get into the 2 more important story lines. Good story that felt very familiar from the more entertaining film You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger. 7/10 - DirectorPESTransforming familiar objects into fresh guacamole.Jan 15
Ultra short film with fun animation and a fun idea. At only 1.5 mins, it really shouldn't have been nominated though. 7/10 - DirectorRussell MulcahyStarsMilla JovovichAli LarterOded FehrSurvivors of the Raccoon City catastrophe travel across the Nevada desert, hoping to make it to Alaska. Alice joins the caravan and their fight against the evil Umbrella Corp.Jan 16
I'm enjoying this series more than I thought I would. I think this is the weakest one yet for me. There was too much desert in it. Still lots of cool action scenes to keep it fun though. 6/10 - DirectorPaul W.S. AndersonStarsMilla JovovichAli LarterWentworth MillerWhile still out to destroy the evil Umbrella Corporation, Alice joins a group of survivors living in a prison surrounded by the infected who also want to relocate to the mysterious but supposedly unharmed safe haven known only as Arcadia.Jan 18
The beginning with lots of Alices was not as good as I'd hoped for so I'm glad it was short lived. All the prison stuff and Arcadia stuff was really good. The actor playing the Albert Wesker character was easily the worst part of this movie. I only hope that there is more Kmart next time. I'm a bit worried about the next movie since it has gotten such bad reviews. 7/10 - DirectorQuentin TarantinoStarsHarvey KeitelTim RothMichael MadsenWhen a simple jewelry heist goes horribly wrong, the surviving criminals begin to suspect that one of them is a police informant.Jan 18
One of Tarantino's best, especially for script. 9/10 - DirectorRoscoe 'Fatty' ArbuckleStarsRoscoe 'Fatty' ArbuckleBuster KeatonAl St. JohnIn a drugstore Al and Roscoe are rivals for Alice. Roscoe slings melons and operates the gas pump. Buster delivers a wedding gown for Alice, begins modeling it, is mistaken for Alice and is kidnapped by Al.Jan 18
Funny Buster Keaton and Fatty Arbuckle short film. Keaton is disturbing yet funny in drag. I prefer Keaton to Arbuckle and this one had more Arbuckle. 6/10 - DirectorCraig William MacneillStarsClay McLeod ChapmanSam BorenzweigLauren BondLoosely based on the dark tales of HP Lovecraft, "Late Bloomer" is a compelling and humorous journey through a young boy's first sexual education class.Jan 18
Very odd take on the sex ed class. Funny narration and ok performances. 6/10 - DirectorBenjamin LeavittStarsKevin SpaceyErin CahillMike DirksenA ventriloquist struggles to survive with no audience while he becomes lonely- his only friend his puppet.Jan 18
One of 3 shorts made with Kevin Spacey in 2012. Good production and story for a short. Kevin Spacey is always good. 6/10 - DirectorAlan ShelleyStarsKevin SpaceyBrian ThompsonSydelle NoelThe story of a dentist who has to help relieve a pirate's pain.Jan 18
2nd of the Kevin Spacey shorts. I guess the idea isn't bad. Kevin Spacey was good, but the rest of the cast was pretty bad...especially the pirates. 4/10 - DirectorMichael HanekeStarsJean-Louis TrintignantEmmanuelle RivaIsabelle HuppertGeorges and Anne are an octogenarian couple. They are cultivated, retired music teachers. Their daughter, also a musician, lives in Britain with her family. One day, Anne has a stroke, and the couple's bond of love is severely tested.Jan 19
Harsh look at the the pain and emotion involved with post stroke, bedridden old age. The pacing was much too slow. The acting and story were very good. Could have benefitted from being about 30 mins shorter. Not sure what voters were thinking by putting this ahead of The Intouchables. 6/10 - DirectorTom HooperStarsHugh JackmanRussell CroweAnne HathawayIn 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.Jan 19
Another film which would benefit from being significantly shorter. The songs are some of the best from any musicals I've seen. The performances were strong, despite some of the vocal performances being a bit off for me. Not weak, but just off. The song nominated for the Oscar was forgettable in the sea of brilliant songs surrounding it. Anne Hathaway put in a very emotional performance. Could have been a 9 if it was a bit shorter. 8/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDaniel Day-LewisSally FieldDavid StrathairnAs the Civil War rages on, U.S President Abraham Lincoln struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on his decision to emancipate the slaves.Jan 19
Even better than Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter. I'm sure this is going to win best picture. It is one of the best movies of the year. Moonrise Kingdom is still the best pic of the year for me, and of the ones that actually got nominated Django Unchained is my fav. Lincoln has a long long list of stars who all gave strong performances. Daniel Day Lewis deserves to win the Oscar. I was told from several sources that the first half of this movie was too long and boring, but i have to disagree. It was interesting throughout...didn't even feel as long as it was. 8/10 - DirectorKathryn BigelowStarsJessica ChastainJoel EdgertonChris PrattA chronicle of the decade-long hunt for al-Qaeda terrorist leader Osama bin Laden after the September 2001 attacks, and his death at the hands of the Navy S.E.A.L.s Team 6 in May 2011.Jan 19
Entertaining storyline. I think the movie is a bit overrated. I actually thought the story of the hunt for and eventual killing of bin laden would have made for a more exciting movie. It was very well done, but dragged on a bit in parts for me. 7/10 - DirectorLee Toland KriegerStarsRashida JonesAndy SambergElijah WoodA divorcing couple tries to maintain their friendship while they both pursue other people.Jan 19
Fairly average movie. Had the typical indie movie feel to it. Didn't have anything going for it that really set it ahead of any other movie of its type. No real complaints though. 5/10 - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsDenzel WashingtonNadine VelazquezDon CheadleTroubling questions arise after airline pilot Whip Whitaker makes a miracle landing after a mid-air catastrophe.Jan 20
Great story and a perfect performance by Denzel. I'd have to say I enjoyed this more than about half of the best pic nominees. I wish this had gotten a best pic nom. The intensity of the plane going down was impressive. 8/10 - DirectorPaul W.S. AndersonStarsMilla JovovichSienna GuilloryMichelle RodriguezAlice fights alongside a resistance movement to regain her freedom from an Umbrella Corporation testing facility.Jan 21
Unfortunately this was the worst of the series so far. Despite having the same writer/director and the same actors, it managed to lower the level of acting and script significantly. The worst of the bunch were Sienna Guillory and Shawn Roberts. The idea of the testing grounds of Tokyo, Moscow and New York were largely wasted. Those could have made for much better action scenes and stories. I think the only reason this gets better than a 4 from me is memories of the first 4 movies. 5/10 - DirectorFrank CoraciStarsKevin JamesSalma HayekHenry WinklerA high-school biology teacher looks to become a successful mixed martial arts fighter in an effort to raise money to prevent extracurricular activities from being axed at his cash-strapped school.Jan 21
Far better than I thought it would be. It was pretty funny. Henry Winkler was the highlight, but really everyone except Selma Hayek was good. Very typical sports movie, but it being about a 'new' sport and the good humour in it made it above average. 6/10 - DirectorGenndy TartakovskyStarsAdam SandlerKevin JamesAndy SambergDracula, who operates a high-end resort away from the human world, goes into overprotective mode when a boy discovers the resort and falls for the count's teenaged daughter.Jan 21
I wasnt excited to see this, but I thought that maybe it would be good since it had Sandler in it. It was far from good. Barely even ok. It seemed like it was meant for young children. Lame jokes thoughout, and over the top stereotypes. 4/10 - DirectorPESMetal objects of the past come to life in the depths of the sea.Jan 21
Another animated short from PES, the director of this year's nominated Fresh Guacamole. He has a really cool style of using familiar objects in place of other familiar objects. this one was all tools made up as fish swimming underwater. I'd like to see him make a longer short with an actual narrative, but keeping his style. 6/10 - DirectorWayne BlairStarsChris O'DowdDeborah MailmanJessica MauboyIn 1968, four talented young Australian Aboriginal girls learn about love, friendship, and war when their all-girl group The Sapphires entertains the US troops in Vietnam.Jan 21
I didnt really care about the story for the first half of the movie, but then it got a bit better. Good performances and a nice, if not terribly exciting story. 6/10 - DirectorGeorge MihalkaStarsPaul KelmanLori HallierNeil AffleckA decades-old folk tale surrounding a deranged murderer killing those who celebrate Valentine's Day turns out to be true to legend when a group defies the killer's order and people start turning up dead.Jan 22
Good classic 80s horror. The bad acting and cheesey 80s stuff just makes it better. I suppose the acting wasnt really bad, but rather typical 80s acting. Some creative killings and overall better than the recent remake. 7/10 - DirectorMichael AptedStarsVal KilmerSam ShepardGraham GreeneA young mixed-blood FBI agent is assigned to work with a cynical veteran investigator on a murder on a poverty-stricken Sioux reservation.Jan 22
Another fairly average movie. Nothing special here. A couple funny parts, an unremarkable story/script and ok performances from the cast. As far as Kilmer goes, its not his worst (twixt), but far from his best (top secret). 5/10 - DirectorPeter LordJeff NewittStarsHugh GrantSalma HayekJeremy PivenPirate Captain sets out on a mission to defeat his rivals Black Bellamy and Cutlass Liz for the Pirate of the year Award. The quest takes Captain and his crew from the shores of Blood Island to the foggy streets of Victorian London.Jan 22
Fun animated film from the Wallace and Gromit studio. Pirates was good for all ages, unlike Hotel Transylvania which I watched recently. This is a strong year for the Oscar for best animated film. I've enjoyed all 5 of them. I'm sure Brave will win it, but for me Wreck It Ralph and Paranorman are the 2 best. 6/10 - DirectorCarl ReinerStarsSteve MartinRachel WardAlan LaddFilm noir parody with a detective uncovering a sinister plot. Characters from classic noir films appear as scenes from various movies interjected into the story.Jan 23
Early Steve Martin and Carl Reiner film noir project. It was funny, but not as good as the Jerk from a few years earlier. Many of the characters in this movie were footage from other film noir movies (Cary Grant, Humphry Bogart, Ingrid Bergmann etc). I think they could have created funnier dialogue between Martin and the existing dialogue from the clips. If you are a fan of Film Noir or Steve Martnin then I'd recommend this. 6/10 - DirectorBradley Scott SullivanStarsIndiana AdamsKurt ColeMadi GoffThe story of six young volunteers working on a humanitarian project in the woods. Horrific accidents, rash decisions and the unpredictability of human nature leads them all to the same disturbing conclusion. Volunteer work can be a killer.Jan 23
Low budget doesnt have to mean low quality...unfortunately these filmmakers didnt get that memo. The makeup for the death shots were not so bad, but just about everything else was. With a budget and proper cast this could have been good. Imdb calls it a comedy horror, but really nothing can match Tucker and Dale or Shaun of the dead for that genre. 4/10 - DirectorDan CutforthJane LipsitzStarsKaty PerryAdam MarcelloCasey HooperA look at the life, career and music of singer Katy Perry as we follow her on the California Dreams World Tour.Jan 23
Enjoyable music documentary. I enjoyed this much more than searching for sugar man. I'm sure that has alot to do with me liking Katy Perry and having no clue who Sugar Man was. Either way, I had thought it was going to be alot more concert film than it was, and was happy that it only had bits of songs and more documentary style instead. 6/10 - DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsMichael CaineAngie DickinsonNancy AllenA mysterious blonde woman kills one of a psychiatrist's patients, and then goes after the high-class call girl who witnessed the murder.Jan 24
Great mystery thriller from DePalma. Some good surprises/twists. A few unrealistic details that I could have done without...the "audience" in the hospital towards the end...a girl slowly running away and the gang of young athletic men not being able to catch her...another that I won't mention because it kinda ruins the ending. 7/10 - DirectorRoman PolanskiStarsCatherine DeneuveIan HendryJohn FraserA sex-repulsed woman who disapproves of her sister's boyfriend sinks into depression and has horrific visions of rape and violence.Jan 24
This movie came highly recommended... George A Romero calls it the best horror film ever made. Darren Aronofsky cites it as an influence for Black Swan. The movie was shot very nicely, but it started off far too slowly. It took an hour or more to get to the 'horror' part of the story. I wouldnt really call it a horror at all though. More of a thriller really, but lacking much thrill. 5/10 - DirectorMichael MohanStarsLizzy CaplanAlison BrieMark WebberSarah begins to confront her shortcomings after she rejects her boyfriend's hasty proposal and soon finds herself in a rebound romance. Meanwhile, her sister Beth is immersed in the details of her wedding.Jan 24
I'm not sure why this was on my watchlist, but I wish it hadnt been. It was completely unremarkable. I like Lizzy Caplan, but she is certainly not a draw to watch the movie just for her. 4/10 - DirectorEric DarnellTom McGrathConrad VernonStarsBen StillerJada Pinkett SmithChris RockThe Madagascar animals join a struggling European circus to get back to New York, but find themselves being pursued by a psychotic animal-control officer.Jan 24
About as good as I'd expected, which is pretty bad. Any charm that the first one had was lost here. Aside from a couple funny parts it was likely only appealing for young kids. 4/10 - DirectorDavid O. RussellStarsBradley CooperJennifer LawrenceRobert De NiroAfter a stint in a mental institution, former teacher Pat Solitano moves back in with his parents and tries to reconcile with his ex-wife. Things get more challenging when Pat meets Tiffany, a mysterious girl with problems of her own.Jan 24
Still enjoyable the 2nd time around. It deserves all the nominations it got, but I don't think it's going to win much because of the competition. 8/10 - DirectorScott GlossermanStarsNathan BaeselAngela GoethalsZelda RubinsteinThe next great killer and psychopath has given a documentary film crew exclusive access to his life as he plans his reign of terror over the quiet town of Glen Echo.Jan 24
Documentary style horror. Not a bad idea for a movie, but something about it didn't really work for me. I think it was the lead actor that held it back. He felt a little too goofy. 5/10 - DirectorGeorge RatliffStarsSam RockwellVera FarmigaJacob KoganThe arrival of a newborn girl causes the gradual disintegration of the Cairn family; particularly for 9-year-old Joshua (Kogan), an eccentric boy whose proper upbringing and refined tastes both take a sinister turn.Jan 25
Creepy kid horror is generally pretty good. I'd say this is more of a thriller than a horror. I don't remember hearing about this one when it first came out. I suppose I can see why, but there are far worse movies in this genre. 6/10 - DirectorLena DunhamStarsLena DunhamLaurie SimmonsGrace DunhamAbout a recent college grad who returns home while she tries to figure out what to do with her life.Jan 25
There was something charming about this movie even though nothing really happened in it. I want to check out other stuff from Lena Dunham. 7/10 - DirectorJoe WrightStarsKeira KnightleyJude LawAaron Taylor-JohnsonIn late-19th-century Russian high society, St. Petersburg aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the dashing Count Alexei Vronsky.Jan 25
Couldnt get into the story at first but the odd style kept me interested. Not sure that it has a chance at winning any of the oscars that its nominated for but it did deserve to be nominated. Good looking sets and very unique way of filming a movie. 6/10 - DirectorFisher StevensStarsAl PacinoChristopher WalkenAlan ArkinA pair of aging stickup men try to get the old gang back together for one last hurrah before one of the guys takes his last assignment - to kill his comrade.Jan 26
Pacino and Walken sounded like a sure bet for a good movie. I couldn't have been more wrong. I'm sure the 6.7 rating on imdb is going to drop. Really boring movie. It couldn't end soon enough. 3/10 - DirectorJean-Xavier de LestradeStarsAnn FinnellPatrick McGuinnessJames WilliamsOscar-winning documentary that documents a murder trial in which a 15-year-old African-American is wrongfully accused of a 2000 murder in Jacksonville, Florida.Jan 27
Another wrongfully accused style doc. The case wasn't as interesting as the Weat Memphis Three case. Different style of doc than the WM3 docs. Instead of a lot of interviews and a bit of court type stuff, this one was mostly courtroom footage and only interviews with the attorney. I'm surprised this won the Oscar for best doc, unless it was a weak year for docs. 6/10 - DirectorDennis DuganStarsMartin LawrenceSteve ZahnColm FeoreTwo mismatched security guards are thrown together to bust a smuggling operation.Jan 27
More fun than I expected from a Martin Lawrence movie. I always enjoy Steve Zahn but he is no good when it comes to the 'serious' action scenes. Martin Lawrence wasn't any better for those scenes either though. 5/10 - DirectorHenry JoostAriel SchulmanStarsStephen DunhamKatie FeatherstonMatt ShivelyIt has been five years since the disappearance of Katie and Hunter, and a suburban family witness strange events in their neighborhood when a woman and a mysterious child move in.Jan 27
Same as with all of these films, there is simply too much time spent waiting for something to happen. At least in a normal movie there is more dialogue and sub plots to keep you interested while waiting. That being said, it wasn't bad once it got to the action. I liked the Kinect idea, but think they could have uses it in a more effective way. Better than the first 2 but not as good as the 3rd. 6/10 - DirectorM.J. BassettStarsAdelaide ClemensKit HaringtonSean BeanWhen her adoptive father disappears, Sharon Da Silva is drawn into a strange and terrifying alternate reality that holds answers to the horrific nightmares that have plagued her since childhood.Jan 27
I think the focus on 3d is ruining horror movies. This is yet another example of a 3d sequel to a 2d movie that is worlds away from matching up to the original. This sequel felt very contrived, whereas the original felt natural. 2/10 - DirectorGeorge DunningStarsPaul McCartneyGeorge HarrisonRingo StarrThe Beatles agree to accompany Captain Fred in his yellow submarine and go to Pepperland to free it from the music-hating Blue Meanies.Jan 27
I think this would only be enjoyable for a super Beatles fan. The music was, of course, great. The animation was pretty bad, felt like Monty Python meets the Noid. I think more and more that the Beatles were annoying with the characterized personas that they put on. Music - 9/10 Movie 4/10 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDennis WeaverJacqueline ScottEddie FirestoneA business commuter is pursued and terrorized by the malevolent driver of a massive tractor-trailer.Jan 27
Very early Spielberg film. Evil trucker harassing an innocent driver on the highway. I've definitely seen this storyline done many times after this was released. I think this is the first I've seen where you don't really see the driver of the truck. I guess this was originally a TV movie and was expanded for theatrical release. Without having the interaction with the driver it's hard to maintain the excitement for 90 mins. This did some nice things stylistically so I guess it showed that Spielberg was going somewhere. 6/10 - DirectorBart LaytonStarsAdam O'BrianNicholas BarclayCarey GibsonA documentary centered on a young man in Spain who claims to a grieving Texas family that he is their 16-year-old son who has been missing for 3 years.Jan 27
Interesting documentary about a guy who try's to convince a family that he is their son who has been missing for several years. Much of the movie was dramatized by actors, but it was at least narrated throughout by the actual people and had interviews throughout with the actual people. Interesting twist ending almost came together, but i guess reality and true events got in the way of that happening. Ive only seen 2 of the nominated docs so far, but this was waaaay better than Searching for Sugar man and this wasn't nominated. 7/10 - DirectorQuentin DupieuxStarsJack PlotnickTodd GiebenhainEric JudorDolph Springer wakes up one morning to realize he has lost the love of his life, his dog, Paul. During his quest to get Paul (and his life) back, Dolph radically changes the lives of others -- risking his sanity all the while.Jan 28
Very very strange movie. Can't really compare it to anything. Not sure how to explain it. I think I liked it. Something about it was charming. I'll definitely watch the 'sequel'. 6/10 - DirectorStephen SommersStarsTreat WilliamsFamke JanssenAnthony HealdA group of heavily armed hijackers board a luxury ocean liner in the South Pacific Ocean to loot it, only to do battle with a series of large-sized, tentacled, man-eating sea creatures who had already invaded the ship.Jan 28
Over the top, cliche ridden action movie. It seemed to be taking itself too seriously. If it had more of a comedy aspect to it then I could have dealt with the cheesiness more. 4/10 - DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsJohn TravoltaNancy AllenJohn LithgowA movie sound recordist accidentally records the evidence that proves that a car accident was actually murder and consequently finds himself in danger.Jan 29
Depalma mystery thriller starring Travolta. Very nicely shot, and an interesting and unique storyline. Who knew that John Lithgow was playing creepy villains long before Dexter. I can see why Tarantino chose Travolta for Pulp Fiction based on this performance. This might just be my favourite Depalma film. 8/10 - DirectorJohn HughesStarsSteve MartinJohn CandyLaila RobinsA Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower-curtain-ring salesman as his only companion.Jan 29
I guess I'd never seen this before. It was actually quite good. Not my favorite Steve Martin or John Candy movie, but very very funny. I bet that this was an inspiration for Tommy boy another of my favorite comedies. The ending got a little cheesy though especially with the signature John Hughes freeze-frame at the end. 8/10 - DirectorGeorge Roy HillStarsPaul NewmanRobert RedfordRobert ShawTwo grifters team up to pull off the ultimate con.Jan 30
One of many classic films thats been on my watchlist forever. Interesting story and good performances from Redford and Newman. I'd say it was deserving of winning best picture and probably all the other awards it won (7 oscars!!). 8/10 - DirectorFranklin J. SchaffnerStarsSteve McQueenDustin HoffmanVictor JoryA French convict in the 1930s befriends a fellow criminal as the two of them begin serving their sentence in the South American penal colony on Devil's Island, which inspires the man to plot his escape.Jan 30
Unintentionally I watched 2 movies from 1973 in one day. This one was only nominated for 1 oscar. It deserved to be nominated for more. Its an epic story of a mans life in prison and escaping prison, starring steve mcqueen and dustin hoffman. That sounds like a recipe for oscar. It should at least have gotten nominations for directing and script if not even best pic. I didnt like Hoffman's performance, but it was a pretty odd character. 8/10 - DirectorHans HornStarsSusan May PrattRichard Speight Jr.Niklaus LangeWhen a group of friends fail to lower the ladder of their boat, they find themselves stranded in the surrounding waters and struggle to survive.Jan 31
As much as I was hating it at first I have to admit I did start to enjoy it as it went on. I like that everyone didnt just get eaten by sharks, but rather had different realistic ways of dying in the open water. I like they had a baby on the boat, which meant they couldnt just abandon the boat once they were stranded. They did so many stupid things throughout the movie that it should have been called Stupid People Ride A Boat. I'm surprised one of them didnt suggest the idea of waiting til the baby grew up and and got big enough to come let the ladder down to save them. 6/10 - DirectorJack ArnoldStarsGrant WilliamsRandy StuartApril KentAfter Scott Carey begins to shrink because of exposure to a combination of radiation and insecticide, medical science is powerless to help him.Jan 31
I was worried it would be more like Fantastic Voyage. It was a pleasant surprise. Simple, straightforward story. Effects look bad for now, but considering this is from over 50 years ago, i'm sure they were impressive for the time. I appreciate the ending going the way it did, considering where it could have gone. 7/10 - DirectorDavid NerlichAndrew TrauckiStarsDiana GlennMaeve DermodyAndy RodoredaA boat tour of a mangrove swamp turns into a fight for survival when a group of people are attacked by a ferocious saltwater crocodile.Jan 31
Nothing special here. Predictable, uninteresting gator horror. 4/10 - DirectorDavid AyerStarsJake GyllenhaalMichael PeñaAnna KendrickShot documentary-style, this film follows the daily grind of two young police officers in LA who are partners and friends and what happens when they meet criminal forces greater than themselves.Jan 31
I enjoyed the story of this quite a bit. Satisfying ending. This did right with what Polisse did wrong as far as the 'story' goes. It wasnt a typical narrative, but rather showed the 2 lead characters in various life situations and work situations. Polisse made the mistake of trying to do that same thing, but with far too many different characters. The problem with End of Watch, and its a big problem, is the filming style. The camerawork was consistently terrible. Firstly, shaky cam makes me dizzy...secondly, I expect when I watch a movie made by professionals for it to look like it was made by professionals. This style of amatuer filmmaking has got to end. I can kind of understand when it is a fully found footage film like The Bay, but in End of Watch there were many times when it was clear that it was not a camera that a character was holding doing the filming but the shakiness/amatuer look didnt stop. If this had been done with proper camerawork and forget about the conceit of the characters carrying around cameras, then End of Watch would have been an 8/10 for me. The poor choice of style really ruined a good movie for me. 6/10 - DirectorRodrigo CortésStarsSigourney WeaverRobert De NiroCillian MurphyPsychologist Margaret Matheson and her assistant debunk paranormal activity, which leads them to investigate a world-renowned psychic who has resurfaced after many years out of the limelight following the suspicious death of his toughest critic.Jan 31
I didnt read the description of this before watching it, so everything was a surprise for me. Thankfully it was a nice surprise. I don't think this had a proper theatrical release. Not sure why because it has big stars, an enjoyable story and good production. 7/10 - DirectorAgnès MerletStarsCarice van HoutenJenn MurrayDavid WilmotA psychiatrist is assigned to work on the case of a disturbed young girl.Feb 1
I added this to my watchlist based on an imdb recommendation. I also saw it on someone's top horror movies list. It was ok at best. Hardly a top horror movie. 5/10 - DirectorBruce BeresfordStarsMorgan FreemanJessica TandyDan AykroydAn old Jewish woman and her African-American chauffeur in the American South have a relationship that grows and improves over the years.Feb 1
For some reason I'd never seen this one before. Great performances. Nice story, although I though it might have gone somewhere else in the end. 8/10 - DirectorSimone NorthStarsGuy PearceMiranda OttoRuth BradleyThis is what every parent fears: their child not coming home when they're meant to. When the fifteen-year-old student, Rachel Barber, doesn't climb off the tram to meet her dad, Elizabeth, her mother, and Mike, her dad, bolt into action.Feb 1
True story of a beautiful girl killed by another girl who was jealous of her. Sad story, but makes for a good movie. Good for the most part but the reaction of the parents finding out their daughter was dead was very poorly portrayed. 7/10 - DirectorJeff SchafferAlec BergDavid MandelStarsScott MechlowiczJacob PittsMichelle TrachtenbergDumped by his girlfriend, a high school grad decides to embark on an overseas adventure in Europe with his friends.Feb 1
One of my favourite comedies of all time. Great pacing and characters. 9/10 - DirectorJake SchreierStarsPeter SarsgaardFrank LangellaSusan SarandonIn the near future, an ex-jewel thief receives a gift from his son: a robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team.Feb 2
This got a lot better as it went on. I wasn't enjoying it at first, but the idea of a man and robot heist team is pretty good. It had good heart. 6/10 - DirectorJuan SolanasStarsJim SturgessKirsten DunstTimothy SpallAdam and Eden fell in love as teens despite the fact that they live on twinned worlds with gravities that pull in opposite directions. Ten years after a forced separation, Adam sets out on a dangerous quest to reconnect with his love.Feb 2
I think the idea could have made for a good movie in the right hands. These were very much not the right hands. I think I liked Kirsten Dunst at some point, but it couldn't have been for her acting. She is pretty terrible. 3/10 - DirectorHarold RamisStarsBill MurrayAndie MacDowellChris ElliottA narcissistic, self-centered weatherman finds himself in a time loop on Groundhog Day.Feb 2
I hadn't seen this for a long time and was determined to have Sandra give it another try. Turns out she liked it after all. 8/10 - DirectorRobert LorenzStarsClint EastwoodAmy AdamsJohn GoodmanA daughter tries to remedy her dysfunctional relationship with her ailing father, a decorated baseball scout, by helping him in a recruiting trip which could be his last.feb 3
I always enjoy Clint Eastwood as an actor and this was no exception. If he had directed this one as well it would have been much better. It wasn't so bad really, but towards the end it felt like they just took the formula for a feel good ending and plugged in the characters. No edge to it whatsoever. 6/10 - DirectorJulia DyerStarsJonathan R. FreemanLydia MackayOlivia HarrisFour children in their attic hideaway make up a fantastic story, while downstairs their parents weave a drunken intrigue of their own.feb 3
A bunch of kids, with a bad mother and a father who doesnt really step in, make up stories about a world without parents. I get what this was going for but it didn't do a great job at getting there. Felt very boring for all but a few short scenes. 3/10 - DirectorLee DanielsStarsMatthew McConaugheyNicole KidmanJohn CusackA reporter returns to his Florida hometown to investigate a case involving a death row inmate.feb 3
Nicole Kidman was good, but the real surprise was how well John Cusack played a creep. I can see why this was panned by critics. Good story in the end. I wish it didn't take so long to get to the good stuff. 5/10 - DirectorChristopher KenneallyStarsDerek AmbrosiMichael BallhausAndrzej BartkowiakThe documentary investigates the history, process and workflow of both digital and photochemical film creation.feb 4
Interesting doc about film vs digital. Loads of directors and crew giving their opinions on which format is better. Not sure why Keanu Reeves was the guy interviewing everyone, but I suppose he did a good job. I would like to see more docs about film making. 7/10 - DirectorBuzz KulikStarsJames CaanBilly Dee WilliamsJack WardenBased on the real-life relationship between teammates Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers and the bond established when Piccolo discovers that he is dying.Feb 5
I'd always heard good things about this movie. I can see why, because it was a really good story with good performances from Lando and Sonny Corleone. It didn't hold up as well as it could have due to heavy cheese factor. 6/10